The Summer King's Winter Bride

Princess Caroline told herself sternly that she would not cry.

She sat on a purple velvet cushioned chair near her windows, watching as her servants worked in a flurry of motion to pack her things into large wooden brass bound trunks. Gowns of sapphire, silver, violet and turquoise were folded, furs wrapped in silk, and jewels in lacquered chests. The air was thick with the scent of winterberries and lavender an odd contrast to the commotion that was taking place in her room. 

She was leaving her home.

Princess Caroline clenched her fists in her lap, her nails digging into her palms, as fought back the tears that were threatening to spill over. She would not weep not in front of them. 

A sharp knock interrupted the servants work as they stilled casting uncertain glances toward the door.

"Enter", Princess Caroline called out.

The door swung open and in walked in her father, King Allan.

His presence commanding total silence as his heavy fur cloak trailed behind him, his ice blue eyes scanned the room. Behind him stood Lord Gregor, the captain of the royal guard along with a handful of knights, men dressed in simple traveling cloaks, but Caroline knew they were armed with weapons beneath.

Her father ever cautious with anything and everything instructed the servants to leave her chambers.

They bowed quickly and rushed out of the chambers leaving her behind with her father and the guards.

A long moment of silence fell and her father simply studied her as if trying to commit her to memory before sending her away or perhaps he was assessing her to see if she would do anything stupid to ruin his plans.

"Your company of men and women are willing to follow you to the Summerlands, that includes maidservants, knights and Lord Gregor, they show fealty to no one except you."

King Allan then turned to Lord Gregor, "You will lead them, personally."

"Yes Your Majesty," replied captain of the guard promptly.

Princess Caroline knew Lord Gregor had won many battles, his loyalty to the crown was immeasurable. If anyone could get her safely to the Summerlands, it was him.

Her father's gaze then fell back on her.

"You will travel under heavy guard, but it must not appear so."

"You fear an ambush?" she asked understanding dawning on her.

King Allan's jaw tightened then as he said, "not all our nobles support this union within our borders or beyond them. They would rather see you dead than wed to the Summer King."

Her heart leapt to her throat, "You believe they would go that far?"

"I know they would", he replied bluntly. 

King Allan turned back to Lord Gregor.

"Ensure the men remain disguised. No crests, no banners and no armor on display. They are to be cloaked as merchants and travelers so that no suspicion can be drawn."

Lord Gregor nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"If you are attacked, do not hesitate to kill every last one." King Allan continued his voice turning sharp.

Princess Caroline flinched. Her father spoke of delivering a death sentence so easily. 

"Should I refuse to go?" she asked challenging him with a lift of her chin.

King Allan's gaze darkened. "Then I will have you bound and placed in a carriage myself."

The air between them cracked like ice breaking upon a frozen lake.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

"How fatherly of you." She replied sarcastically.

"You are my daughter but you are also my pawn in this game, even if you are an unwilling one."

The words struck her like a blade to the chest.

He had always told her his views on duty, sacrifice and royalty but hearing it aloud with such finality, made her insides collapse in a heap.

Fine. She thought she would not beg or plead, he would not get any of it.

"I will go," she said her voice steady. 

"Not for you or the kingdom but because I refuse to be your caged frightened princess."

Something flickered in her father's eyes but it was gone before she could decipher it. 

He gave her a small nod. Then turning towards Lord Gregor, he said. "Make sure she arrives safely."

"I will."

Her father strode towards the door, pausing just a moment before he turned around and without looking at her said, 

"your mother would have been very proud of you."

Then he was gone. 

Princess Caroline stood motionless and willed her eyes not to shed tears.

She was sure her father meant them and they were beautiful even if it were the last words he ever spoke to her ever again. 

She turned back to the window, staring at the falling snow.

Preparing herself emotionally for what was to come tomorrow.